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Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 148 reviews

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken or shrimp with a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce tossed with al dente penne pasta and sautéed bell peppers. This quick and easy stovetop recipe balances heat and creaminess, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it is al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Cook the Protein: Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken or shrimp until fully cooked and browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes for chicken or 2-3 minutes per side for shrimp. Remove the protein from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften and garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook the spices for about 30 seconds to toast them. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta and chicken or shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and protein evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for extra heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of cream and milk.
  • Shrimp can be swapped with chicken or even sausage as preferred.
  • The heat level is adjustable by altering red pepper flakes and adding cayenne pepper.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce bind to the pasta perfectly.
  • Fresh herbs and lime juice brighten up the creamy and spicy dish just before serving.

Keywords: Spicy pasta, Cajun pasta, chicken pasta, shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, one skillet pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/spicy-rattlesnake-pasta-recipe/